A catastrophic mid-air collision involving an American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk helicopter occurred over the Potomac River, resulting in the deaths of at least 67 individuals, including a college professor and a newly engaged pilot. Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing moments as the aircraft collided. Recovery efforts are ongoing, with D.C. investigators focusing on the factors that led to the disaster. Amidst mourning and public outcry, safety concerns regarding air traffic at nearby Reagan National Airport have intensified, prompting discussions about aviation policies. The Army has identified two of the fallen soldiers, while several victims from various professions and backgrounds have been recognized, including figure skaters and flight attendants. As authorities continue to recover black boxes and piece together the events leading to the tragedy, questions remain about potential failures in aviation safety and air traffic control.